A trade group representing some of Ireland's best known independent builders suppliers has joined forces with a much larger British-based trade association.

The Allied Merchants Buying Association (AMBA) has signed a membership agreement with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) in the UK.

The deal will help ensure that the independent Irish buying group retains and develops its links with Britain regardless of the outcome of Brexit, not least because many building materials producers administer the UK and Ireland as one commercial region and this was not likely to change, said the group.

AMBA chairman Dennis O'Connor said: "With the countdown to Brexit well under way, it is essential to draw closer to a federation that represents merchants and building materials suppliers operating in the UK."